The nutritional consequences and neoplastic potential of juvenile polyposis coli.

Case reports of three teenage patients with nonfamilial diffuse juvenile polyposis are presented to illustrate the considerable morbidity and significant growth retardation that may occur. Although generally considered to have no malignant potential, histologic findings revealed features ranging from adenomatous change to severe dysplasia. It is suggested that a conservative approach may not always be appropriate in this condition.